The National Energy Resources Australia has announced funding to develop a network of hydrogen clusters in Australia, one of which will be led by the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre (MRIC) in Mildura.

Totalling $1.7 million, the national funding scheme is part of a strategy to put Australia on the global map for hydrogen technology and expertise.

The announcement also cements the Mallee’s position as a viable and strategic location to foster hydrogen capabilities. The cluster will cover the north west of Victoria and be one of 13 across the country.

MRIC chief executive Rebecca Wells says the funding represented a new opportunity for the region: “We are well positioned to establish a cohesive, valuable cluster and drive hydrogen supply chain development for regional Victoria.

“We’re excited to see new research and technology development in the hydrogen space and look forward to collaborating with fellow cluster leads around Australia.”

Additionally, MRIC co-director and pro-vice chancellor research capability at La Trobe University, Professor Ashley Franks says it’s a great opportunity to draw local initiatives in hydrogen to drive benefit for the region: “Hydrogen as an alternative fuel has a number of potentials in several industries, many of which are already being explored.”

The MRIC adds that the announcement is a of what the partnership of MRIC can achieve when working collaboratively with local parties and those outside of the region.